Blog Post

The deadline for nominations has been extended to August 5, 2026, 11:59 EST

Recognizing researchers shaping the future of Canadian RNA research

View 2025 recipients (click here)

(A PDF of this announcement can be found here)

(1) RNA Canada ARN’s Moderna Discovery of the Year Award

The RNA Canada ARN Discovery of the Year Award recognizes groundbreaking RNA discoveries made by Canadian researchers (either as a group or individually) during the past year.

Prize: $7,000 and an engraved commemorative plaque.

Eligibility: RNA researcher(s) based in Canada or Canadian researcher(s) based outside of Canada.

Criteria: Innovation, impact, and relevance to the field of RNA research.

Nomination Process:
Self-nominations and nominations by others are welcome. Nominations must include:

(1) Brief statement explaining how the nominee’s/nominees’ research has been groundbreaking;

(2) Nominee’s/nominees’ complete CV;

(3) Two confidential letters of support recognizing the importance of the discovery.

Submit your nomination package at the Discovery of the Year nomination website (click here).

(2) RNA Canada ARN’s Moderna Trainee of the Year Award

The RNA Canada ARN Trainee of the Year Award recognizes a trainee who, in the past year, has made significant contributions to RNA research with the potential for future impact.

Prize: $2,000 and an engraved commemorative plaque.

Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate student, or postdoctoral RNA researcher based in Canada or a Canadian researcher based outside of Canada.

Criteria: Originality, quality, and significance of contributions to RNA research, as well as potential for future impact.

Nomination Process:
Nominations can be made by the trainee’s supervisors or colleagues. Nominations must include:

(1) Brief statement explaining the significance of the nominee’s research;

(2) Nominee’s complete CV;

(3) Two confidential letters of support recognizing the originality, significance and future potential of the nominee’s research.

Please submit your nomination package at the Trainee of the Year nomination website (click here).

(3) RNA Canada ARN’s Moderna Volunteer of the Year Award

The RNA Canada Volunteer of the Year Award honours outstanding volunteer service within RNA Canada ARN, promoting engagement and community development.

Prize: $1,000 and an engraved commemorative plaque.

Eligibility: Current member of the RNA Canada ARN.

Criteria: Dedication, leadership, and measurable impact on RNA Canada ARN’s mission.

Nomination Process:
Nominations can be made by any RNA Canada ARN member. Nominations must include:

(1) Brief statement explaining how the nominee’s exceptional service has fostered engagement and community building within the Canadian RNA community;

(2) Nominee’s complete CV;

(3) Two confidential letters of support recognizing the importance of the nominee’s volunteer work for the Canadian RNA community.

Please submit your nomination package at the Volunteer of the Year nomination website (click here).

The 2026 RNA Canada ARN Awards Committee is as follows:

• RNA Canada ARN Board Member who serves as Committee Chair: Amanda Hargrove (University of Toronto)
• Senior Investigators affiliated with RNA Canada ARN: Gertraud Burger (Université Montréal), Eric Jan (University of British Columbia)
• Early Career Researcher affiliated with RNA Canada ARN: Haissi Cui (University of Toronto
• Trainee who is a member of RNA Canada ARN: Laurence Faucher-Giguére (Universite de Sherbrooke)
• Two International Members: Adrian Krainer (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, USA), John Mattick (University of New South Wales, Australia)